Backward Roll in the Water
A tucked backward somersault in the water from a back float, introducing backward rotation safely and calmly.
- Stages
- Diving – Stage 9, Diving – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Submersion, Body Control, Diving Rotation
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 8–99 years
- Group size
- 1–14 swimmers
- Time
- About 4 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Deep enough water and space around; swimmers may use a nose clip if they wish; no breath-holding challenges.
What it develops
- Early rotation awareness
How to run it
- Float on the back with sculling hands.
- Tuck the knees to the chest and the chin to the chest.
- Push the hands towards the head and over to roll backwards.
- Open out into a back float or stand; breathe out through the nose throughout.
Teaching cues
- Tight ball.
- Hands push over your head.
- Breathe out through your nose.
Make it easier
- Half roll onto the front.
Make it harder
- Two rolls in a row, finishing in a streamline on the back.
Common faults
- Opening out during the roll.
- Water up the nose.
Corrections
- 'Hug your knees until you're round.'
- 'Hum out.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Keep the space around each swimmer clear and be ready to help a swimmer find their feet if they become disorientated.